High Milage ATF Change

Status
Not open for further replies.
L

landtoy80

Joined
Mar 13, 2005
Messages
230
Location
Front Range, Colorado
I need to drop the pan on my Camry with 265,000 mi on it. No idea if the ATF has ever been changed. What ATF should I use in this case? Regular Dexron or MaxLife ATF?

My Land Cruiser with 400,000 mi has had regular ATF changes with regular Valvoline Dexron. Should I stick with regular Dexron or should I switch to MaxLife ATF too?

I would rather just have on type of ATF on hand.
 
Last edited:
If your spec is Dexron the Maxlife will do fine. If it is T-IV then go with the T-IV. Castrol Import MV ATF is a good one as well.
 
Last edited:
I thought I read something that you need to be careful when swapping out tranny fluid that potentially has never been changed as well as the filter. I thought I read you need to do it in sequences because it can potentially cause damage, on vehicles in this situation.
 
While not a great indicator what does the current ATF look and smell like? If it smells burned or looks like driveway sealer that's not a good sign.

I would certainly replace the filter if it has a media filter. Then I would seriously consider installing a Magnefine as it will catch crud that is loosened when you start adding new ATF. And its easy to replace.

You can do several drain & refills or a cooling line flush.

The Camry should have a drain plug.
 
MaxLife is garbage. Why do you "have" to drop your pan? Will one of the ML fan boys post a link to my "epic" thread please?
 
I have to test a "Shift Solenoid E Electrical" The solenoid is in the oil pan. Have to remove the pan and inspect the solenoid and wiring. I then need to refill.

I know about the problems with changing fluid in a vehicle that never had it ATF changed but I dont want to reuse the ATF.

The Camry trans has 3 magnets in it per the service manual.
 
I might not even do this myself but with that mileage, you might want to dump the old fluid back in. Run it through a screen. Don't use ML! Buy some cheap Dex VI to replace any spilled.

ML aside, search my user name and read my transmission failure thread. Tons of good reading from some of the true heavy-hitters on this forum.

Originally Posted By: landtoy80
I have to test a "Shift Solenoid E Electrical" The solenoid is in the oil pan. Have to remove the pan and inspect the solenoid and wiring. I then need to refill.

I know about the problems with changing fluid in a vehicle that never had it ATF changed but I dont want to reuse the ATF.

The Camry trans has 3 magnets in it per the service manual.
 
When I had a high mileage Camry I always used SuperTech ATF from WalMart and it worked great and still does for my brother who I sold the car to.
 
The Supertech and Supertech HM stuff works great, but you have to remember these are mineral based fluids not comparable to maxlife or other synthetics that will last much longer in service. If you want to do a drain and fill every 30k after you get all the old fluid out the supertech stuff is good, but synthetics can go much longer intervals 60k+
 
I might not have to open the trans up now. The question now is to change it or not? With high miles and possibly no changes in its life, it might be better not to change it.
 
Originally Posted By: landtoy80
I might not have to open the trans up now. The question now is to change it or not? With high miles and possibly no changes in its life, it might be better not to change it.


Do it in small steps. Maybe only drain a couple of quarts and replace with new DINO based fluid do NOT use synthetic based fluid because it might be too good at cleaning or slip past old seals. Drive the vehicle for a thousand miles and then replace another three quarts...
 
^^^

I did the same thing above when I had the Jetta.

VW uses a very solvent heavy mineral oil based fluid. So dirt being trapped wasn't likely however I still used Maxlife in small doses. I think I did it 3 times over 30k however I used regular Valvoline Import ATF one of those times because MaxLife wasn't available.

They both are synthetic and I used maybe 4 qts each time.
 
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
MaxLife is garbage. Why do you "have" to drop your pan? Will one of the ML fan boys post a link to my "epic" thread please?


DEX III was not intended to be a 100K mile ATF. 50K was the maximum service interval recommended by GM for a 2005 Chevy Astro. 30K on severe service schedule it is right here for everyone to see.


http://www.manualowl.com/am/Chevrolet/2005-Astro/Manual/383
 
Use the same as original fluid and successive drain and fills of whatever quantity drains out using the drain plug. Having exactly the same fluid, but fresh, and swapped in small increments shouldn't cause any issues.
 
Go to the dealer and find out what they used orginal from factory. I mean what was in there could of lasted 256K miles as you said.

I just do not trust aftermarket AT Fluids.

Until I see a car maker specify factory filled ATF wtih Royal Purple ATF or Mobil 1 ATF or Vavoline ATF or Amsoil ATF ECT.. I feel Factory ATF is the best for your car.

Even ATP makes a all in 1 Multi ATF and I wont use it.. and Im a big fan of ATP Products.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

FTTSHO
Valvoline Maxlife ATF, the best for all applications?
2 3
Replies
52
Views
4K
steve c
N
Finally changed the ATF on my 2016 Ram 1500 ZF 8 speed
Replies
13
Views
1K
racer12306
E
Valvoline maxlife atf drain and fill
Replies
17
Views
2K
Emad
I
Coolant in ATF - 2007 GM 6.0L w/ 4L80E
Replies
17
Views
2K
MolaKule
T
Dexron VI mixing problems
Replies
11
Views
5K
TT'ed
Back
Top Bottom